Q1 2018 - MARKET COMMENTARY

23 April, 2018

After a strong start to the year in January, all major stock and bond indexes declined in the first quarter of 2018. Similarly, the Canadian dollar was also strong in January but it too reversed direction and declined by the end of the quarter.

After a strong start to the year in January, all major stock and bond indexes declined in the first quarter of 2018. Similarly, the Canadian dollar was also strong in January but it too reversed direction and declined by the end of the quarter. This currency movement partially buffered portfolio returns from the losses experienced in the U.S. and other global markets.

The Canadian stock market, was the worst performer among the markets we track closely, losing 4.42%*; The US stock market declined 1.0%^. While the Canadian Universal Bond Index declined 0.25%**. The Canadian dollar (CAD) declined relative to the USD, by 2.45%^^. International markets declined 3.62%***.